1 person killed in 3 car collision in East Central Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- It was another Friday workout for Julio Cervantes, boxing in his garage, when he heard the sound of impending disaster. Five people were entangled in a heap of metal as Cervantes and others rushed to help. He said this mangled red Mustang and its driver were both crushed.

"He gargled something when he was in my arms when we took him to the grass."

Police said it was the driver of the Mustang who caused the accident. Officers said he turned erratically, tried crossing four lanes of traffic, before an SUV and a truck rammed into its side.

Cervantes said there was not even a chance to do CPR.

"I never had nobody die in my arms before-- I don't know what to say."

Police said an autopsy will show if drugs or alcohol were involved to help explain why the victim made such a dangerous high speed turn.

"He doesn't have a lot of trauma, so there is a possibly it was a medical issue he had which caused him to crash," said Lt. Joe Gomez, Fresno Police Department.

Cervantes said he is still in shock with how quickly life was lost.

"Nobody would have survived that, nobody. He's lucky he didn't have a child or wife there."

The crash is a reminder that a simple mistake on the street can quickly turn deadly-- crushing more than metal and glass.